Christmas magic fills the air

With the holiday season fast approaching, many find themselves looking for ways to give back to the community and give in to the holiday spirit.  Over the years, Coronado and the city of El Paso have added new ways to get involved in the Christmas season. The annual holiday blessings drive is the biggest school event, and it helps spread Christmas cheer to less fortunate elementary school students by gifting them both necessary and fun items. When it comes to the city as a whole, the San Jacinto Plaza has set up their annual Winterfest lights festival, which will be open until Jan. 5, 2020. While these are just a couple of ideas for the holiday, there are many other lesser known – but equally important –  activities during this season of giving.

During Christmastime, mail stations in every Macy’s in the city may catch shoppers’ eyes, although not everyone knows their purpose. For every letter that is written and put into these boxes, Macy donates $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant a child’s wish. Wishes can range from a trip to Hawaii to a shopping spree to a new dog, but every penny counts. According to the Make-A-Wish website, over 900 wishes were granted last year to children from all over the country. Since their partnership began in 2003, over $122 million dollars have been raised to help make these kids’ holidays unforgettable. Writing a simple letter is so easy, but it is so meaningful. It could make a child’s whole year and probably their life, too.

Giving aside, sometimes the best way to get into the holiday spirit is to experience the lights, food, and fun associated with Christmas. Winterfest, located at the San Jacinto Plaza opened on Nov. 23, 2019 and will remain open until just before Three Kings Day. The 400,000-light display first began four years ago and has grown into an event with a wide range of attractions. Ice skating, live performances, and food vendors are just some of the essential activities to partake in when visiting.

An abundance of activities and projects fill the holiday season. El Paso’s downtown has transformed – almost resembling a  smaller version of Rockefeller Center – and members of the community prepare to donate time or resources, ensuring that everyone in the area has the best possible holiday season.